Upton out again, "came in a little bit sore"

CF B.J. Upton was scratched from today's lineup after feeling soreness following Tuesday's first game action since his March 14 outfield collision.

The development could be a concern if Upton can't play again on Thursday, manager Joe Maddon said.

"He came in a little bit sore so we had to back off of him playing today,'' Maddon said. "If it leads into something more than just today it could be a little bit of a setback. If he's able to come back and go after it again tomorrow I don't consider it that bad.''

Upton played about six innings in two minor-league games on Tuesday, going 0-for-2 with a walk. He has had lower back soreness since the scary collision with teammate Desmond Jennings. Maddon said Upton tested his back a bit on Wednesday morning. He was replaced in centerfield by Jesus Feliciano.

With Upton, the Rays were close to having their frontline players together on the field for the first time. Maddon wants them to play together for about 10 days before the end of spring training - the Rays have 15 exhibitions remaining.

"Let's just see how he comes in tomorrow,'' Maddon said. "It wasn't like he was awful today, but it just wasn't right.''

Maddon said SS Reid Brignac, who has a plantar fascia issue in his right foot, is moving around and doing okay, but "it's just one of those things you never know how he's going to feel.'' Even when Brignac can tolerate returning to the field, Maddon said, "he's still going to be impacted by it. That's that one injury that's constantly bothering you.''

Maddon said "it's going to take a couple days to figure out what this next strategy is, we don't know that yet.''

Maddon also said they hope to have a decision on the final spot in the rotation, and set the rest of the order, by Sunday or Monday.

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